The Malian army began a ground operation to secure the last towns in the Kidal region where it is advancing, the Malian armed forces (FAMa) stated in a press release.
"In pursuit of its regalian mission to safeguard Mali's territorial integrity, the FAMa undertook strategic movements this Thursday, November 9, 2023, with the aim of securing and eradicating all terrorist threats in the Kidal region. We wish to emphasize that these interventions are being carried out with strict respect for human rights", declared the army.
The military columns advance in the towns of Anefif and Tessalit against the backdrop of MINUSMA's withdrawal from Kidal and Aguelhok.
According to the army, the main objective of this mission is "to restore peace and stability in Mali, so that our fellow citizens who only aspire to peace can live there in complete safety."
On the eve of this announcement, the military intensified airstrikes against the positions of armed separatist groups.
The population was urged not to give in to "panic or terrorist propaganda" and invited residents to follow the instructions of the Malian armed forces.
The Malian army describes as terrorists all armed groups that do not respect the UN Security Council Resolution 2690 of June 30, 2023. This resolution, which ended the UN mission mandate, obligated the Malian army to occupy all MINUSMA territories. The Malian government said the UN mission's 10-year presence in Mali failed to adequately respond to the security situation there and contributed to escalating tensions.
The Permanent strategic framework (CSP) – a coalition of political and military movements in northern Mali – opposed it and decided to go to war against the Malian army.